FORMER Everton defender Shkodran Mustafi and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger got World Cup winners Germany up and running at Euro 2016.
By Alex Harris
OPENER: Mustafi headed home Kroos' cross
Mustafi, who made just one appearance for the Toffees before leaving Goodison Park in 2012, headed home a pinpoint Toni Kroos free kick on 19 minutes to score the opening goal of a pulsating game.
Ukraine frightened Germany on a number of occasions but found Manuel Neuer in impenetrable form.
Substitute Schweinsteiger secured the win for Germany when he fired in Mesut Ozil's cross from close range after a rapid counter attack in the final minute.
The result leaves Joachim Low's side level with Poland on three points following the first round of games in Group C.
Ukraine winger Yevhen Konoplyanka fired an early strike at goal but his wicked shot was tipped over by Neuer.
Germany quickly took control of the game with Kroos dictating the game from the middle of the park.
It was the Real Madrid man's set-piece delivery that put the world champions in front with Mustafi finding space in the box to beat Ukraine keeper Andriy Pyatov.
Ukraine almost hit back instantly from their own set-piece but Neuer expertly saved from Yevhen Khacheridi's point-blank header.
SECOND: Bastian Schweinsteiger secured the win
Jerome Boateng was forced to clear a scuffed effort from Konoplyanka off the line as Ukraine began to dominate with half-time looming.
The tempo dropped after the break with Neuer and Pyatov both being tested from long range until the game came to life again at the death.
Kroos played in Ozil clean through the middle but the Arsenal star hit his shot straight at Pyatov.
Ukraine then launched the ball down the other end of the pitch and Mustafi nearly scored an own goal as his backwards header beat the onrushing Neuer but the ball trickled wide.
Germany killed the game off in the final minute as Ozil burst down the left and whipped in a cross for Schweinsteiger to hammer home.
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